Top Spot goes to £1380 dog

IT MAY not have had the most original of names, but Spot was the dog selling for the highest price at Skipton last Friday.

Sold by Jimmy Ogston, Kirkwhelpington, Spot made 1380gns, topping the bidding at this early autumn auction in North Yorks. As Mr Ogston says: "Sheep are expensive and delicate. A well-trained dog, which can handle them gently and with care, is an asset to any flock." Dogs represent good value for money, too, compared with wages nowadays, he adds.

And at two years and nine months old, Spot – like the other fully-trained entries – was hotly contested. Others were close behind at 1280gns and 1210gns.

The event saw 56 of the 74 dogs find new homes, with broken and part-broken Border Collies averaging £623, according to auctioneers Craven Cattle Marts. Puppies made to 160gns, averaging £70.

The previous weekend, Senny-bridge, Powys had been the venue for a sale. There, 56 – mainly young animals – averaged £330, with a top of £800, reports Clee, Tompkinson and Francis.

Top of the pups… young sheepdogs are selling well, but its fully-trained animals that are most sought after at auction.